Absolutely, I’m choosing to stay a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) even now that my kids are in school.
Each day at 5 p.m., I fantasize about clocking out—grabbing my purse, shutting down my computer, and making a beeline for the door. But there’s a catch: I live where I work. Yep, I’m a stay-at-home mom, and I’ve been doing this for 19 years—19 years filled with challenges, rewards, and moments that have made me want to pull my hair out, but it’s never been dull. After my first child was born, I left my traditional job behind and embraced full-time motherhood without a second thought.
For my family and me, this decision was undeniably the right one at the right time. As more children arrived, the idea of re-entering the workforce felt impossible due to the costs associated with childcare. In fact, we saved money by having me stay home—no joke.
The Nudge to Rejoin the Workforce
When my kids started school, I felt a quiet societal nudge to rejoin the workforce. After all, I no longer needed to pay for daycare, and my days were suddenly mine again. What would I even do at home all day?
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work part-time in positions that offered incredible flexibility, but I often chose not to return to work full-time. The emotional pull to remain home was stronger than the urge to clock in. Yet, I still find myself bombarded with questions like, “What do you do all day?” and “Aren’t you going to work again?” or even “How do you manage on just one salary?” My personal favorite, “Don’t you want to earn a paycheck and use your degree?” For years, I lacked the confidence to respond with “Why does it matter to you?” but now, I’m ready.
My Busy Life as a SAHM
To be honest, it’s not anyone’s business, and the truth is, I’m busier than ever as a SAHM, even with all the kids in school. The thought of juggling a full-time job while caring for four children sends me into a frenzy. I have immense respect for full-time working moms!
I’m constantly busy saving money by handling tasks around the house myself. If something breaks or needs tidying, I’m the one to tackle it. I also volunteer at my kids’ schools during times when working moms can’t, and I genuinely enjoy it. It truly takes a village.
In my local community, I’m involved in organizing events, fundraisers, and bake sales—anything to give back. I lend a hand to other moms when their childcare falls through or when they need extra help. And let’s not forget the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a large family, from cooking meals to shuttling everyone to their various activities.
Embracing Downtime
But hey, sometimes I do absolutely nothing. Like, binge-watching shows on the couch until the kids come home kind of nothing. And you know what? I’m done feeling guilty about that. I might indulge in it for days on end, and guess what? There are no performance reviews to worry about.
Ultimately, I’ve earned this freedom. I choose how I spend my time, and I owe no explanations to anyone. There’s something empowering about being a SAHM who confidently knows how to prioritize her own choices.
And just so we’re clear, if you can find me a SAHM who clocks out at five every day, I’ll gladly share what I do all day.
Further Reading
For more insights on family planning and fertility, check out our post on boosting fertility supplements or learn more at Millie Maternity Clinic, an authority on the topic. Additionally, this resource on intrauterine insemination is excellent for anyone exploring pregnancy and home insemination options.
Conclusion
In summary, being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in itself, and every day is unique. Whether I’m volunteering, managing the household, or taking a well-deserved break, I embrace my role without apologies.